Shostakovich: The Piano Concertos/Solo Works
Deutsche Grammophon, 2025
9/10
Listen to Shostakovich: The Piano Concertos/Solo Works
The Chinese born, American pianist Yuja Wang is joined by the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Andris Nelsons for 2 large ensemble pieces and 6 solo piano selections that pay tribute to Shostakovich’s legacy.
“Piano Concerto No. 1 In C Minor” starts the listen with elegant strings and bright trumpet that suit Wang’s attentive keys and strong attention to tonality, and “Piano Concerto No. 2 in F Major” follows with the orchestra’s animated dynamics that align with swift, dynamic keys.
Of the Wang only selections, “Prelude In F-Sharp Minor” radiates dizzying keys that are profoundly meticulous, while “Prelude In A Minor” takes on a dreamy quality via the moody demeanor.
Landing close to the end, the firm and melodic keys of “Prelude In D-Flat Major” is a rich and animated moment, and “Fugue In D-Flat Major” is a quick blast of energetic and technical prowess that few other pianists could replicate.
A truly stunning body of work, Wang’s complicated, emotional and often fun delivery is complemented by Nelsons’ skilled conducting for this impressive installment.
Travels well with: Alice Sara Ott- John Field: Complete Nocturnes; Seong-Jin Cho- Ravel: The Complete Solo Piano Works